Understanding Cocaine Eyes

Legacy Healing Center Blog

Cocaine use can have devastating effects on the body, with noticeable changes in a person’s physical appearance, including the eyes. These changes, commonly referred to as cocaine eyes, are often a red flag of cocaine use and can signal broader health risks. At Legacy Healing Center, we understand the challenges of addiction and the importance of recognizing the signs. Our alcohol and drug treatment center offers compassionate care and proven programs to help people overcome addiction and reclaim their lives.

What Are Cocaine Eyes?

Cocaine eyes refers to the distinct changes that occur in a person’s eyes due to cocaine use. Research shows these symptoms occur when the drug stimulates the nervous system, leading to physical manifestations.¹

What Do Cocaine Eyes Look Like?

Cocaine disrupts normal blood flow and nerve function, causing noticeable changes in the eyes that are difficult to hide. Key indicators to recognize cocaine eyes include:

Enlarged pupils, which are a hallmark of drug use, make the eyes appear unnaturally wide
Unusual or erratic eye movements, often described as “shifty” or hyperactive
Bloodshot eyes due to dilated blood vessels

These symptoms, sometimes referred to as coke eyes or crack eyes, are physical signs of cocaine’s impact on the body. Beyond the eyes, these users may also exhibit erratic behavior, mood swings, and other telltale signs of cocaine addiction.

The Effects of Cocaine on Eye Health

Studies have proven that cocaine’s effects on the eyes extend beyond redness and dilation.² Repeated use can lead to long-term damage, such as:

Increased pressure on the optic nerve, which may cause vision problems.
Decreased blood flow to the retina, potentially leading to blindness.
Chronic dry eyes or irritation, exacerbating discomfort and damage over time.

Understanding what cocaine does to your eyes is crucial, as these symptoms may worsen with continued use. Damage to the eyes is just one part of the broader health risks, like coke jaw, associated with cocaine addiction.

How Legacy Healing Center Can Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, cocaine addiction treatment is available at Legacy Healing Center. Our comprehensive programs address not only the symptoms of addiction but also the underlying causes.

Take the First Step: Contact Legacy Healing Center Today

Recognizing cocaine eyes can be the first step in seeking help and recovery. Legacy Healing Center will guide you through every stage of your journey to a healthier, drug-free life.

Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and explore our blog for additional information about addiction and recovery. With rehab locations in Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Parsippany, Cherry Hill, Fort Lauderdale, and Margate, our addiction specialists are ready to support you at every step of your recovery.

Recovery is possible. Start your journey with Legacy Healing Center today.

Sources

Person. Cocaine eyes: What they are and why they happen. Healthline. August 25, 2021. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/substance-use/cocaine-eyes#bloodshot.
Barden A. What are cocaine or “Coke eyes”? All About Vision. December 12, 2023. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/eye-health/cocaine-eyes-effects/.